Improvement in pocket-books



S. L YON.

Pocket-Book.

N0. 167,916. I Patented Sept.21,1875.

N-IPETERS, PHOTQUTHOGHAPHER WASHINGTON, D C.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFIcn.

SYLVANUS LYON, OF SPRINGFIELD, NEW JERSEY.

IMPROVEMENT IN POCKET-BOOKS.'

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 167,916, dated September 21, 1875; application filed August 16, 1875.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, SYLvANUs LYON, of Springfield, county of Union, State of New Jersey, have invented certain Improvements in Devices for Opening and Closing Laps of Pocket-Books, 850., of which the following is a specification The object of my improvement is to provide for a self-acting, reliable spring-clasp, by aid of which the laps of pocket-books, portemonnaies, valises, satchels, reticules, or any other such articles provided with laps, are held down to the front side of such articles when closed, and are also capable of keeping open, when so desired.

Referring to the accompanying drawing forming a part of this specification, Figure I is a back view of my improved spring-clasp, and Fig. II is an end view of the same, when the clasp is in position for holding down the lap or lid, the dotted lines showing the position of the clasp when holding up the lap or lid.

A is a frame, to the upper ends and on the inner sides of which are attached the eyes a a, which are so arranged that they form the sides to the slots 12. In these slots are inserted the ends of the clasp O, which are pivoted to the upper ends of the frame A by aid of the pins 01 inserted in the eyes a a and the holes 0 e in the clasp O, and in such a manner that the ends of the clasp, extending a suitable distance downward, are parallel to the inner sides of the ends of the frame A. To the inside of and lower part of the frame A are fastened the springs D D, which extend upward somewhat higher than the ends of the frame, and are placed parallel to the inner sides of the same. The ends of these springs press against the inner ends of the clasp O, and thus serve to hold the clasp either open or shut, as shown in Fig. II.

Instead of pivoting the clasp to the frame in the manner herein shown and. described, a cheap and efficient hinge may be obtained by riveting or otherwise fastening a piece of rubber to the backs of the clamp and frame at g and h, and thus dispensing with the eyes a a, holes 0 e, and pins d d.

Having thus described my invention, I desire to claim- The combination of the frame A, hinged' clasps U, andsprings D D, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

SYLVANUS LYON. Witnesses:

FRANKLIN BARRITT, RICHARD P. EMERT. 

